Coach Yourself Confident Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Coach Yourself Confident* by Julie Smith about?

*Coach Yourself Confident* provides actionable strategies to close the gap between capability and self-assurance, focusing on overcoming self-doubt and cultivating "humble confidence." It combines real-life research, practical exercises, and frameworks like the "self-doubt tax" to help professionals thrive in workplaces and personal growth.

Coach Yourself Confident

Julie Smith

4.05 (22 Reviews)

Business

Psychology

Self-growth

Overview

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FAQs

Overcome self-doubt with Netflix's Chief Talent Officer-endorsed roadmap to unshakeable confidence. Julie Smith's bestseller provides practical tools to conquer your "confidence saboteurs" and build authentic self-trust. What if the key to your success isn't more skill, but finally silencing that inner critic?

What is Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith about?

Coach Yourself Confident provides actionable strategies to close the gap between capability and self-assurance, focusing on overcoming self-doubt and cultivating "humble confidence." It combines real-life research, practical exercises, and frameworks like the "self-doubt tax" to help professionals thrive in workplaces and personal growth.

Who should read Coach Yourself Confident?

This book is ideal for professionals experiencing imposter syndrome, burnout from overcompensating, or reluctance to pursue promotions. It’s particularly relevant for exhausted achievers, career changers, or anyone navigating job interviews and workplace challenges.

What is the ‘self-doubt tax’ mentioned in the book?

The "self-doubt tax" refers to the dual cost of missed opportunities and excessive effort caused by inner criticism. Julie Smith explains how this tax drains confidence through perfectionism, avoidance, or overpreparation, and offers tools to reduce its impact.

How does Coach Yourself Confident define ‘humble confidence’?

Humble confidence is the alignment of self-assurance with actual capability. Unlike arrogance, it involves recognizing strengths without exaggeration, allowing readers to advocate for themselves authentically in professional settings.

What practical tools does Julie Smith provide in the book?

The book includes exercises to identify self-doubt triggers, reframe negative self-talk, and set realistic expectations. Activities like confidence saboteur analysis and strength-mapping help readers build resilience and navigate career transitions.

Does Coach Yourself Confident address workplace-specific challenges?

Yes, the second half focuses on professional contexts, offering strategies for leadership, promotions, and interviews. Smith tackles topics like advocating for raises, handling feedback, and balancing competence with visibility.

What awards has Coach Yourself Confident won?

The book won the 2024 getAbstract International Book Award (Business Impact, Readers’ Choice), was a 2025 Business Book Awards finalist, and was longlisted for The People’s Book Prize.

How does Julie Smith’s coaching background influence the book?

With 30+ years in executive coaching, Smith integrates case studies and proven methodologies from her work with leaders at companies like Netflix. This lends credibility to her insights on confidence-building.

Can Coach Yourself Confident help with career changes?

Yes, it provides frameworks to assess readiness for change, articulate transferable skills, and manage interview anxiety. Smith emphasizes aligning confidence with capability to pursue fulfilling roles.

Are there criticisms of Coach Yourself Confident?

While praised for practicality, some readers may find its corporate focus less relatable for non-professionals. However, its core principles on self-doubt apply broadly.

How does the book differ from other confidence-building guides?

Coach Yourself Confident avoids generic affirmations, instead offering structured, evidence-based techniques rooted in workplace psychology. Its emphasis on "humble confidence" sets it apart from ego-driven approaches.

What key quote summarizes the book’s message?

Sergio Ezama (Netflix Chief Talent Officer) endorses it: “I devoured every page of this wonderfully written book”—highlighting its blend of storytelling and actionable advice.

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Key takeaways

Unlocking Your Inner Confidence

00:00

Have you ever felt that gnawing self-doubt before a big presentation? Or watched in awe as someone confidently navigates situations that would leave you paralyzed with anxiety? You're not alone. At its core, confidence isn't about pretending to have superpowers - it's simply trust in yourself, the belief that whatever life throws at you, you'll be okay. This self-trust fundamentally changes how we approach challenges, significantly improving our odds of success. Think of "The Little Blue Engine That Could" - the small engine's repeated self-affirmation "I think I can" enables it to accomplish what larger engines wouldn't attempt. This isn't just a charming tale; it illustrates how belief in our abilities genuinely increases our likelihood of succeeding. When we approach tasks with confidence, we tackle them with energy and initiative, whereas self-doubt leads to hesitation and diminished performance. Confidence creates a contagious energy that builds collective power in teams. The opposite is equally true - doubt spreads just as easily, making defeat almost inevitable when a critical mass believes they can't succeed. Building confidence follows a clear cycle: taking action provides data, learning from outcomes leads to progress, and success builds trust in one's abilities, making future action easier.

The Hidden Cost of Self-Doubt and Distorted Self-Perception

Finding Humble Confidence

Identifying Your Confidence Saboteurs

The Natural Fluctuation of Confidence

Building Confidence From Within

Embracing Your Authentic Self

Explore Your Way of Learning

Coach Yourself Confident isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Business. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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Coach Yourself Confident Lessons Told Through 21-Min Stories

Experience Coach Yourself Confident through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

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@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith Summary

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